Justin Schultz was born on July 6, 1990 in Kelowna, British Columbia. A star for the Westside Warriors of the BCHL, he was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Shultz played his collegiate hockey for the University of Wisconsin where he spent three seasons with the Badgers. Unable to come to terms on a contract with the Ducks, Schultz "de-registered" from the University of Wisconsin following his junior season and would ultimately become an unrestricted free agent. On June 30, 2012, Schultz agreed to a two year deal with the Edmonton Oilers.

With the NHL locked out to start the 2012-13 season, Schultz would begin the year with the Oklahoma City Barons. He would appear in 34 games for the club, scoring 18 goals and adding 30 assists. When play commenced at the NHL level, Schultz would join the Edmonton Oilers, suiting up in all 48 games, notching eight goals and 19 assists.

Schultz's offensive numbers would dip in 2013-14 and 2014-15 where he posted seasons of 33 and 31 points respectively. His time in the Oiler's organization would come to an end in the days leading up to the NHL trade deadline. In the midst of his worst offensive season of his NHL career, Schultz was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a third round draft pick. The move would prove to be a fortuitous one, as Schultz and the Penguins would go on to capture the 2016 Stanley Cup title.

Schultz would lead all Penguins defenceman in scoring during the 2016-17 season, finding the back of the net 12 times and adding 38 assists. He followed that up with 13 points in 21 post-season contests, helping the Penguins to their second consecutive Stanley Cup title in the process.